Good day to all!
Who likes change? I've always said "a change is as good as a rest." In this case, some of the changes that I have made recently in my life have created a tremendous amount of work, so there is no resting for me at the moment. A couple months ago, Teresa and I made the decision to sell our home in Augusta. We have been talking about it for three years and in those three years, we have lived out at our camp in Palermo with the exception of the winter of '11/'12.
Norm's house for sale in Augusta
It was a difficult decision and I will mention a couple of reasons why. This was the home that Teresa and I lived in when we were first married and the place my sons have called home since they were born. We also planted several trees on the front lawn, one for each of the boys at their birth, and they must be left behind.
The most difficult time I had was while cleaning out a downstairs closet, that contained my Dad's clothes and some personal belongings from April of 1997. You see, in April 1997, Dad came to live with us, for what I knew would be the remainder of his life. Dad was released from the hospital and the prognosis was not good. I had to convince Dad that he should come and stay with us, just until he got his strength back and was able to live on his own. We set up a bedroom downstairs which was at ground level at the end of the house. I figured Dad could walk out back and sit in a chair and read his newspaper, which he enjoyed so much. That lasted for about ten days and then there were no more trips outside. And within a couple of days, Dad asked me if we could do the rest of it right from his hospital bed, that we had on loan from Hospice. I told him absolutely, whatever he wished. He also told me "I'm done eating, so do not offer me anything." That was hard to hear, but he knew what was best for him and so did I, whatever he wished. He was in control right up until the end, which is so important.
In the photo below, you will see the KJ newspapers that he read during the month of April. Also, he had a favorite fan and radio. Note the tape on the radio, it was literally held together with Scotch tape but it still worked. Going through the Great Depression, Dad never threw anything away that still worked.
Norm's Dad, Les Elvin's closet
Although Dad was only with us at the house for a short while, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Teresa, the boys, my brother and sisters all chipped in to help. My involvement with Hospice over the years made it very natural for him to come live with us and spend his final days.
All of his possessions that he brought with him are now in boxes, to be kept forever by me. Not sure why, but I just can't part with them. Many of his clothes are going to be sewn together and put into a quilt. I have a friend in Auburn who is doing this for me.This is something that I will treasure for the remainder of my time here on Earth,
and hopefully my children will, well into their lives. Bumpa was a loving, fair and stern individual who, when the grandkids came along, told us they could do no wrong! He and Mimi were the best parents one could ever ask for and they will be missed forever. My Mom passed eleven years prior to my Dad. Yesterday April 30th was the 17th anniversary of my Dad's passing. RIP.
Gotta love those fake teeth! Photo from last Trivia Night!
The Kildeer Point trivia team, last Trivia night of the season
I hope all of you come and visit us at the Dine-ah soon, I know it's a bit of a travel for a lot of you, but your support has always been appreciated, and it's time for you to have another delicious home cooked meal without the dishes!
God Bless,
Norm
p.s.- to answer this weeks trivia question, you will find the answer contained in our Mother's Day features section.
